June 13, 2023
5 Tips for Downsizing to Senior Living
According to research by Trulia, most Americans are unsatisfied with the size of their current homes. Some families want more space, to be sure, but a significant portion of families want a decrease in square footage – especially as they project their needs into the future.
The term being used to describe finding that Goldilocks floor plan is “rightsizing.” As you begin your retirement, you might be assessing the efficiency of your home to meet your needs and readying yourself for a transition into a senior living community that can offer you much more than just a residence.
While the downsizing process might feel overwhelming, know that there are tried-and-true methods that can help you pare down your possessions, choose the perfectly-sized retirement residence and move from your family home.
Downsizing Tips for Seniors
- Create Your Financial and Lifestyle Goals.
One key to a successful downsizing process is to envision what you want and need in your new home.
Consider your retirement savings, the health of the real estate market, and the financial benefits of selling a home. You may be surprised to learn how downsizing could save you money and ease financial concerns in the long term.
Also consider the kind of retirement lifestyle you want to live. Downsizing can make the most sense when you move into a retirement community with amenities, services and personal growth opportunities that support your vision for a rich, vibrant retirement.
- Keep Your New Residence in Mind As You Downsize.
Choosing your new home well in advance—if possible—can assist greatly in your downsizing preparation. When you begin to feel overwhelmed emotionally by the change, you can remind yourself of the reasons you’ve made this decision.
Being able to look forward to a wellness program, culinary experience or a variety of classes offered by retirement communities like Kendal on Hudson can shift the focus from what you are giving up to the future you are stepping into.
Having a floor plan in mind is also a practical necessity when determining what furniture, equipment and other large items you will be able to take with you when you move. At Kendal on Hudson, we offer several different layouts to meet the varied needs of our residents.
- Start Early and Go Slow.
You can’t expect to sort through a lifetime of accumulation in a weekend. Downsizing a home can be daunting, but if you break it down into steps and use a helpful checklist, you can pare down in a matter of months.
It helps to conduct an inventory of the items you definitely want to keep before you begin to actually clear spaces in your home. This can keep you focused on what is most important to you and what you actually use on a regular basis.
If you are looking for some satisfying “wins,” you could start by cleaning up some nooks and crannies or storage areas. Oftentimes, we forget what is even in these messy corners of our homes. This could be an opportunity to get rid of junk that you don’t want to carry with you into your new space.
- Enlist Help from Professionals and Loved Ones.
When you are moving from a family home that holds memories for not only you but also your family members, it can be helpful to request the help of your loved ones. In many cases, they have a desire to be involved. It can be an opportunity to relive cherished moments and say goodbye to a beloved home. This one last joint effort together can be cathartic, and it can help you identify meaningful items to pass down.
There are also professionals who can help you with aspects of your move. Of course, you’ll want to hire a real estate agent to help you sell your home, but you can also hire a Senior Move Manager® to facilitate your moving process.
- Be Equipped with Coping Strategies.
Strong, unexpected emotions can catch you off-guard during a significant life transition like the one you are preparing for. There are memories around every corner of your home, and as you reflect on the practicality of specific items, you may experience some grief. This is typical and normal.
This is another reason you may consider inviting loved ones into the process. They can help you acknowledge your emotions, talk through them and determine if you may need a break or if it is best to keep working. You can also reach out to a friend or make an appointment with a therapist. It is important that you receive the support you need during this transition.
Rightsizing into Kendal on Hudson
Kendal on Hudson offers you more than just a home. Here, you can find camaraderie, opportunity and peace of mind. When you enter our Life Plan Community, you have access to Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. This dynamic offering means that this could be the last time you endure a major move.